Mandaviya felicitates FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 medalist Divya Deshmukh

Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, felicitated the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 medalists, Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy, in New Delhi on Friday, August 1,2025. Indian chess prodigy Divya and veteran Grandmaster (GM) Koneru made the nation proud with a dominant performance at the recently concluded tournament in Batumi, Georgia.Addressing the duo at the event, the Union Minister said, “Grandmasters like you will serve as inspiration for the new generation. More youngsters will take interest in sports, especially a mind sport like chess. Chess may be considered one of India’s gifts to the world, and has been played since ancient times. I firmly believe that many daughters of India will rise in the world by drawing inspiration from both of you.” The FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025, held from July 5–28 in Batumi, saw a historic all-Indian final between 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh and seasoned GM Koneru Humpy. This marked the first time that two Indian women reached the final, and is also the first-ever Women’s World Cup title for India.Divya, hailing from Nagpur, defeated Humpy in a tense tiebreak after two drawn classical games. She also secured her first GM norm during the event, defeating top players like Zhu Jiner, Harika Dronavalli, and Tan Zhongyi.